1,000 experts attend conference on pneumococcal disease prevention

The conference in Hanoi began with experts citing studies showing that infants under one year old have the highest rates of infection and mortality from infectious diseases in general, and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in particular.

In Vietnam, children under one account for 65% of IPD cases, and around 61% of pneumococcal meningitis cases occur in children under five.

Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan, Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, delivers the opening speech at the conference. Photo by Huynh Nhu

According to Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan, Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for serious illnesses such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and especially meningitis. In low- and middle-income countries, up to 50% of children with pneumococcal meningitis may die. Even those who survive often face lifelong consequences like hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, or motor disorders.

Nearly two-thirds of pneumococcal meningitis cases occur in infants under one year old, with two-thirds of these cases happening within the first six months - the most vulnerable period due to an immature immune system.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Vu Trung pointed out that despite significant global progress in reducing mortality from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and pneumococcal diseases, the burden remains high.

He emphasized that the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is particularly high during the first year of life, accounting for over 50% of cases in children under five. In adults, the risk increases with age and the presence of comorbidities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City, speaks at the conference. Photo by Huynh Nhu

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung also noted, "Chronic illnesses can significantly heighten this risk." For infants under one, serotypes ST3, 22F, and 33F are among the most dangerous for causing invasive disease.

Research indicates that serotype ST3 remains persistent despite previous pneumococcal vaccination programs, with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 47%. It is a major cause of pleural empyema, sepsis, cardiac toxicity, and meningitis. Additionally, serotypes 22F and 33F are associated with high 30-day mortality risks.

During the conference, experts highlighted that Vietnam's Ministry of Health recently approved the next-generation 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine from MSD.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai highlights the 15-valent vaccine's strong immune response in children. Photo by Huynh Nhu

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai, Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, praised the new vaccine for its potential in pneumococcal disease prevention. The 15-valent vaccine offers flexible dosing schedules of 3+1 or 2+1 for children, enabling an immune response starting from the primary doses. In necessary cases, patients can transition from vaccines covering fewer serotypes to the new vaccine.

Since its approval, the vaccine has been adopted into 24 national immunization programs for children worldwide.

Katharina Geppert, Managing Director of MSD Vietnam, shared that the company's leadership in pediatric and pneumococcal disease prevention has spanned decades. MSD vaccines have helped protect millions of children worldwide.

MSD Vietnam's leadership believes the new pneumococcal vaccine, with broader serotype coverage, will strengthen the protection of Vietnamese people, especially young children, from the heavy burden of pneumococcal disease.

"We are accelerating our efforts to save and improve millions of Vietnamese lives by 2025, carrying this pride into our 30th anniversary celebration in Vietnam in 2026," Geppert added.

Earlier, on April 17, a similar conference on the same theme was held in Ho Chi Minh City, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung.